Footnotes

1. On this basis the responses in each group were 59 for beginners, 121 for riders with moderate experience, 222 for riders with much experience, and 102 for very experienced/expert riders (see Table 3.2).

2. This comparative analysis is presented in Appendix 5.

3. The number of sites used by riderts is presented in Appendix 3, along with other information about Wellinton riding sites.

4. The sample could be split into separate `racer' and `non-racer' groups, and comparison of these enabled the type and degree of any possible bias resulting from race-orientation to be identified. Due to the extensive nature of these additional analyses, they are presented in Appendix 2 rather than in the main results.

5. Differences in responses between male and female riders are presented in Appendix 4.

6. This distinction between `active' and `passive' orientations in activities is used later to describe some of the conflicts which may arise between mountain biking and walking in the same settings.

7. Shultis (1991) found outdoor recreation club membership of only 13% for a general public sample, 20% for a national park visitor sample, and 35% for a backcountry users sample.

8. The percentage figures represent the proportion of the sample who included the feature amongst their top three. When these responses were looked at in order of preference (see Appendix 6), no particular features were dominant as first choices.

9. These general patterns of findings were repeated when riders were asked to specify their five most important of these features (see Appendix 6, Table A.6.6).

10. Appendix 8 summarises the top ten conditions specified by the riders, and includes the respective results for each experience level group in their order of priority.

11. Where required, some reference is made to additional material included in the Appendices.

12. This has been a common finding in recreation research, as summarised in reviews such as (Manning 1986)

13. Riders did most riding on tracks near their homes (see Appendix 3). In the same way, the more `passive' types of recreationists (e.g., casual walkers) are also likely to use such tracks. In such shared-track contexts, the visible and associated perceived differences in rider characteristics can exacerbate any pre-existing perceptions of conflict.

14. Research has indicated about 30% of New Zealanders had participated recently in cycling (all types), but that this decreased sharply with age (from over 50% of those aged 15-18) (Hillary Commission 1990).

15. The ROS defines of a spectrum of recreation opportunity classes based upon natural and managed differences in the environmental, social and managerial features of settings. The basis of this zoning and management system is to provide a range of recreation opportunities to cater for the diversity of recreation needs. The ROS is described fully in Department of Conservation Guidelines (Department of Conservation, 1993), and also in the recreation review by Manning (1986).

16. The more experienced riders remaining, with their greater commitment to the activity and knowledge of its impacts and requirements, may be more amenable to adopting `low-impact' and `safe' riding practices to minimise impact and retain access. The validity of such an assumption would be a useful research area.

17. Speed and excitment experiences are also possible on level tracks, particularly where smooth surfaces allow faster riding. Also note that for more experienced riders, such experiences can be achieved on rougher tracks, even if actual speeds are quite low.

18. Whether other users of tracks would be prepared to make similar concessions due to possible physical impacts or other problems has not been researched to date.

19. Those unfamiliar with this planning system should consult Department of Conservation (1993) as a first reference.